Adaptive Reuse

Housing Element Program HE-1

The proposed adaptive reuse ordinance is the implementation action of Housing Element Program HE-1: Facilitate Conversion of Nonresidential Buildings to Housing. HE-1 directs Planning Division staff to draft an adaptive reuse ordinance for buildings to convert to multi-unit or mixed-use residential.

The purpose of the adaptive reuse ordinance is to:

• incentivize housing creation,
• reuse existing nonresidential buildings,
• codify commonly approved modifications, and
• reduce planning process for eligible adaptive reuse projects.

An adaptive reuse ordinance was discussed with City Council and Planning Commission at a Joint Work Session in July 2024 and Planning Commission in December 2024.

In June 2025, Planning Commission recommended the proposed adaptive reuse ordinance to City Council. See the Timeline for public hearings to adopt the ordinance.